Historical Santa Fe Tour: Insight from Local Historian
5.0
243 Ratings
Santa Fe
Discover the rich history of Santa Fe on a unique tour led by a local historian. Explore iconic landmarks, learn about the city's art scene, and uncover fascinating stories from the past.
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi - La Conquistadora the oldest Madonna in the United States. The Santa Fe Plaza, Loretto Chapel, the San Miguel Mission church, the oldest in the country. History of Art and Architecture in Santa Fe. An overview of four hundred years of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American history in Santa Fe, the oldest capitol city in the United States
- 109 East Palace - The military checkpoint for the Manhattan Project during WWII.
- Palace of the Governors - Oldest government building in the U.S. plus the History of New Mexico’s 19 Indian Pueblos.
- New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse) - History of the only U.S. government building designed as a Native American symbol.
- Loretto Chapel - Loretto Chapel was built in 1878 by Archbishop Lamy to accompany the Sisters of Light Loretto Academy. The Gothic-Revival chapel was inspired by Saint Chapelle in Paris, which was built by architect Antoine Mouly, who did the restoration of chapel that was patterned for King Louis IX in Paris. Legend has it that the 360-degree staircase built in the chapel between 1877 and 1881 had no visible means of support. Today, it is known as the Miraculous Staircase that St. Joseph the Carpenter had built. The Chapel was closed in 1968 and deconsecrated by the Catholic Church and is now run a privately owned museum.
- Burro Alley - Burro Alley is a small street connecting Palace Avenue and San Francisco Street. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, vendors who sold salt from the Galisteo Salt Basin and firewood from surrounding mountains would tie up their burros there to rest. While the animals recuperated, the vendors would frequent the local saloons and brothels. The gambling hall that was run by MarÃa Gertrudis Barceló, known as Doña Tules, was at the corner near Palace Avenue.
What's Included
- Experienced Tour Guide
Additional Information
A unique historical excursion led by a genuine local and certified historian, Ana Pacheco. The Pacheco family made Santa Fe their home in 1692, and she served as the City Historian of Santa Fe from 2015 through 2017. Pacheco has eight books to her name: Legendary Locals of Santa Fe, The History of Spirituality in Santa Fe, Pueblos of New Mexico, Early New Mexico Death Rituals, Los Comidas Cookbook, Saints & Seasons, Early Santa Fe, J. Paul Taylor: The Man from Mesilla.
The tour encapsulates information about the Santa Fe Opera, Route 66, 109 E. Palace & the Manhattan Project, the History of Pueblos of New Mexico, Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Mission, Canyon Road & Santa Fe as an Art Haven, Sunmount Sanatorium, Santuario de Guadalupe, Masonic Scottish Rite Temple, Spirituality in Santa Fe & Cross of the Martyrs, Japanese Internment Camp, and the History of the Civil War in New Mexico. It also sheds light on the early life of Billy the Kid in Santa Fe.
Location
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Cathedral Place
In front of the Basilica Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(243 Ratings)
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386kristih
Apr 22, 2024
True historian tour - Ana is a wealth of real historical knowledge of Santa Fe and New Mexico. She delivers the info in an engaging way which is an amazing skill. She also adds personal anecdotes of how it was growing up here. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
144jamiez
Apr 22, 2024
Great local tour of Santa Fe - Great, knowledgeable guide. Local knowledge from local historian. Fun, upbeat. She enjoyed giving the tour which made us all enjoy it with her. Learned a lot bout Santa Fe and New Mexico history..good and bad. highly recommend at the start of any visit to the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
997suzannet
Apr 19, 2024
History and so much more - One of the best tours we’ve taken. Lots of history and information in a very accessible and entertaining way. Glad we did it first as it as it put the rest of our visit to Santa Fe and nearby sights in context. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_l
Apr 19, 2024
Awesome History Tour! - Ana was so knowledgeable and energetic, she made the history of Santa Fe and the surrounding area come alive!
Review provided by Viator
Kendall_p
Apr 12, 2024
Epic Santa Fe Tour - Our tour guide Ana Pacheco was amazing. She was extremely knowledgeable and energetic. She was good at bringing the history to life and making us all feel like we were a part of it. Would highly recommend her.
Review provided by Viator
Philip_c
Apr 8, 2024
Great walking tour with local historian - Great local tour guide who had a wealth of historical insight to really bring Santa Fe alive
Ana Pacheco showed us the sights we would not have found on our own and had a ton of great stories
Review provided by Viator
Laurenbl711ax
Apr 4, 2024
Fantastic Tour - This was a fantastic tour. Ana as a local historian and native of Sante Fe, provided a unique and personal perspective and not just a 'history lesson' (although that was great too). She has a wonderful way to deliver and share her passion and knowledge of Sante Fe. This was our favorite part of our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda_m
Apr 3, 2024
Ana is an amazing guide - Thank you Ana for all the great information. We learned so much about the history of the Santa Fe area. I highly recommend Ana's tour.
Review provided by Viator
Toby_b
Mar 30, 2024
Best walking tour of Santa Fe!!! - Ana is fun, passionate, knowledgeable person who clearly LOVES to share her beloved community of Santa Fe! So much information and so much joy. Highly recommend!!!!
Review provided by Viator
Peggy_b
Mar 28, 2024
Wonderful tour of Santa Fe! - What a great history tour! Ana made learning engaging and fun. She is a veritable font of knowledge and her love of Santa Fe comes through every step of the tour.
Review provided by Viator
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